Gene Effects for Downy Mildew (Sclerospora Graminicola) Resistance In Pearl Millet*

Gene effects for downy mildew resistance were estimated by the analysis of generation means of six populations (P₁, P₂, f₁, f₂, B₁, B₂,) in two pearl millet crosses under two environmental conditions. Substantial hybrid vigour for downy mildew resistance was observed. Inbreeding depression was also noticed. Downy mildew resistance was found to be dominant over susceptibility. Both additive and dominant gene effects governed downy mildew prevalence and infection index. However, dominance effects played predominant role in the inheritance of these traits. Digenic interactions were also detected and complementry epistatic effects contributed maximum to the total genetic variability for downy mildew resistance. Development of synthetics or composites as well as population improvement by recurrent selection have been suggested as possible approaches for breeding downy mildew resistant cultivars in pearl millet.